Hong Kong airport first to use robot for runway markings, cuts time by two-thirds
Hong Kong International Airport became the first globally to deploy an "auto-painting robot" for runway markings starting September. The robot reduces painting time by two-thirds, from 2-4 hours to 1-2 hours per operation, and improves worker safety.
Hong Kong International Airport became the first in the world to deploy an "auto-painting robot" for runway markings, starting in September. The Airport Authority said the three runways, totalling more than 11 kilometres, require various lines and markings to guide aircraft take-off and landing. These markings must be repainted every week to every six months.
The authority typically closes one runway each night for maintenance and overnight painting. The auto-painting robot, introduced in October last year and tested continuously, received approval from the Civil Aviation Department and began formal use this September.
The robot reduces painting time from the traditional 2 to 4 hours to within 1 to 2 hours per operation, a reduction of two-thirds. It also reduces the need for workers to perform repetitive high-intensity night work and helps address recruitment difficulties. Staff now only need to monitor the robot on site and use remote control when necessary.
The Airport Authority said the auto-painting robot uses real-time kinematic positioning technology from the Global Navigation Satellite System, combined with four satellite systems, to achieve centimetre-level positioning accuracy.
Chief Operating Officer of the Airport Authority, Yiu Siu-chung, said the authority collaborated with a Shenzhen-based company whose original technology was used for painting sports fields. Through joint development with the authority, the technology was adapted for airport runway markings. The airport will be equipped with six robots for painting, and Yiu said he believes the approach could become a civil aviation standard.
